Wednesday, October 02, 2013

New consumer research from Parks Associates finds 34% of Google Chromecast owners stream video content from Hulu to their TV set every day. The same research found 43% of Chromecast owners stream Netflix to their TV set on a daily basis, a feature heavily promoted during the device's introduction. The finding underscores the desire by consumers to watch content on their preferred screen and the challenges of licensing content in the digital world.

“Chromecast is giving people in Hollywood headaches right now,” said John Barrett, director, Consumer Analytics, Parks Associates. “All the wrangling over licensing restrictions doesn’t mean much if consumers can simply circumvent them.”

Parks Associates analysts explain that content providers typically license movies and TV programs for viewing on specific “screens” such as a TV, computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Google’s latest, “screen-shifting” device complicates matters by allowing the consumer to move content from one screen to the next.

"Google Chromecast is making it easier for consumers to circumvent screen restrictions," Barrett said. "For example, the content from the premium Hulu Plus service is available for viewing on a TV set, but content from the free Hulu service has been technologically constrained to computers. But among those watching Hulu monthly on a TV set via a Chromecast device, roughly 50% are using only the free services from Hulu."

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates, a woman-founded and certified business, is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions.

The company's expertise includes the Internet of Things (IoT), digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advanced advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.